90 Mind Blowing Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

Facts About Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh is a northeastern state of India out of 29 states. Arunachal Pradesh is bordered by Assam and Nagaland in the south and the international border with Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east and China in the north. Its capital is Itanagar. Arunachal Pradesh has territorial disputes with both PRC and ROC due to its cultural, ethnic and geographical proximity to Tibet. Arunachal Pradesh is one of the two main regions in dispute between India and China. Another such region is Aksai Chin.

A key part of the state formerly known as the North-East Frontier Agency, it does not recognise the legitimacy of the Simla Agreement as disputed by China. China claims most of the state as southern Tibet. This state has potential for development of hydropower.

Arunachal Pradesh, whose name means the land of the rising sun, is also known in Sanskrit as the paradise of botanists. Geographically, it is the largest state among the north-eastern Indian states. Like other north-eastern Indian states, the people of Arunachal Pradesh are of Tibet-Burman descent. In recent times, extensive economic and cultural ties have been established with the large population of people who have migrated to different parts of India and other countries.

Rich with diverse cultures and traditions, Arunachal Pradesh has the largest number of regional languages ​​in the Indian subcontinent.

Interesting Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Cash crops like potatoes are cultivated largely.
• Agriculture is the primary driver of economy of state.
• The history of Arunachal Pradesh remains shrouded in mystery.
• Horticulture Crops like apple, oranges, pineapple are getting good promotion.
• The Ahoms held the areas until the annexation of India by the British in 1858.
• Culture of the state is a blend of 26 different tribes and many more sub tribes
• Main folk dances of the state are – Popir, Aji Lama, Hiri Khaning, Cham, War dance.
• Arunachal Pradesh shares its borders with two states Assam and Nagaland both in south.
• Arunachal Pradesh is the Indian state with lowest population density of only 17 /Sq Km.
• This state has more than 1630 km long international borderline with China, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
• Main agricultural products – rice, maize, millet, wheat, pulses, sugarcane, ginger and oilseeds.
• Dong Valley situated at an elevation of 1,240 meters is the first to receive sunrise in the country.
• This region then came under the loose control of Tibet and Bhutan, especially in the Northern areas.
• With a wide variety of mammals and nearly 200 species, Arunachal Pradesh is indeed Botanist Paradise.
• Recorded history from an outside perspective only became available in the Ahom and Sutiya chronicles.
• Main festivals of the state are – Mopin, Solung, Lossar, Boori-boot, Sherdukpens, Dree, Reh and Nyokum.
• Arunachal Pradesh has second largest decadal population growth rate of 25.9% (first is Meghalaya with 27.8%)

Geographical Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Geographically, it is the largest among the North-east Indian states commonly known as the Seven Sister States.
• The Monpa and Sherdukpen do keep historical records of the existence of local chiefdoms in the northwest as well.
• Main Industries of Arunachal Pradesh – sawmills, plywood, rice mills, fruit preservation, handlooms and handicraft.
• Tawang is the one of the most popular tourist destination of not only Arunachal Pradesh but whole North East India.
• The major rivers of the state are the Brahmaputra and its tributaries: the Dibang, Lohit, Subansiri, Kameng, and Tirap.
• Mineral Resources of Arunachal Pradesh – Coal (Namchik-Namphuk coal fields), dolomite, marble, lead, zinc and graphite.
• Economy of the state is poor and in terms of GDP, Arunachal Pradesh ranks at third last position among all Indian States.
• This state is one of the linguistically richest and most diverse regions of Asia with more than 30 languages in practice.
• Dibang Valley is the love of wildlife enthusiasts. The forests of Dibang is home to the Mishmi Hills Giant Flying Squirrel.
• Arunachal Pradesh State animal is Mithun, State bird is Hornbill, State flower is Foxtail orchid, and the State tree is Hollong.
• Arunachal Pradesh is the only state of India that has the thinnest population density in the country with just 13 persons per sq. km.
• Northwestern parts of this area came under the control of the Monpa kingdom of Monyul, which flourished between 500 B.C. and 600 A.D.
• Arunachal Pradesh due to its huge variety of exotic orchids is also known as the Orchid State of India or the Paradise of the Botanists.
• Do you know? Arunachal Pradesh is the land of diverse tribes and cultures. This state is inhabited by 26 major tribes and 100 sub-tribes.
• Want to see snowfall? In Arunachal Pradesh, you can find heavy snow in Bomdila, Tawang, and Mechuka Valley during the winter season only.

Facts About Arunachal Pradesh Wildlife

• In Arunachal Pradesh, there are 2 National Parks only. These are Namdapha National Park at Namdapha and Mouling National Park at East Siang.
• In India, there are about 12,000 species of Orchids known to occur, out of which as many as 610 species and found in Arunachal Pradesh alone.
• This state is home to a major 30 languages and possibly as many as 65 distinct languages in addition to innumerable dialects and sub-dialects.
• Arunachal Pradesh was placed under the administration of Central Government in 1948. It was initially declared a Union Territory on 20 Jan 1972.
• Oral histories possessed to this day by many Arunachali tribes of Tibeto-Burman stock point unambiguously to a northern origin in modern-day Tibet.
• Among the 130 railway stations in North East India, Arunachal Pradesh has 3 railway stations named Naharlagun, Gumto, and Bhalukpong Railway Station.
• Do you know? More than half of the population of Arunachal Pradesh is engaged in agriculture, but only a tiny portion of the land is under cultivation.
• Despite the fact that the hill state Arunachal Pradesh is the second most populous country, it also stands unique for having lowest population in India.
• This state was initially called North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) in 1954. And later, it was on 20 January 1972, that it was renamed as Arunachal Pradesh.
• Arunachal Pradesh, whose name means Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains in Sanskrit, is also known as the Orchid State of India or the Paradise of the Botanists.
• During the Sino India war of 1962, China occupied major regions of the state including Tawang but returned back to the McMahon line after ceasefire in 1963.
• However, most Arunachali tribes remained in practice largely autonomous up until Indian independence and the formalisation of indigenous administration in 1947.

Economic Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• The remaining parts of the state, especially those bordering Myanmar, were under the control of the Sutiya Kings until the Ahom-Sutiya battle in the 16th century.
• Arunachal Pradesh became an independent state on 20th February 1987. It is bounded by independent countries on the three sides and by Assam and Nagaland in the south.
• It’s also an amazing fact to note that Namdapha National Park is the largest protected area and the third-largest national park in India covering an area of about 1,985 sq. km.
• Dong village is the easternmost village of India. It is located in Dong Valley of Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh at a point where India, China, and Myanmar border is situated.
• Do you know? The extreme east side of Arunachal Pradesh is the place where the sun rises in India and the mountains there is the Aruna Mountains. The Dong Village is located there.
• Twang Monastery located in Twang, Arunachal Pradesh is India’s largest Monastery and the world’s second-largest one. This monastery is located at an elevation of about 3,000 meters.
• The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, and Itanagar was named after Ita fort meaning the fort of bricks, that was built in 14th century AD. This fort is the pride of the city.
• Arunachal Pradesh is often called the “land of the rising sun”. It’s called so because Dong Village in Arunachal Pradesh is the first place of India that receives the morning sunlight.
• The name Arunachal Pradesh is given in the Sanskrit language which translates to “land of the dawn-lit mountains”. It’s named so because this beautiful state is the home of some exotic orchids.
• Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Tibet, was a part of British India between 1913-14 and formally included in India when the McMohan Line was established as the border between India and Tibet in 1938.
• It is believed the Mizo people came from China and settled here about 300 years ago. It is believed that 87% population is Christian who was converted after Britishers took control of the region in 1895.

Cultural Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh is known to be rich in flora, fauna, power and mineral potential. Previously this region was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) and constituted a part of the state of Assam.
• Do you know? In Bomdila, there’s an Orchid Sanctuary known as the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary where more than 80 species of 2600 orchids are cultivated. You can watch them while you are trekking to that point.
• Do you know? Kangto Mountain having an incredible height of about 7,060 metres above the sea level is the highest point in Arunachal Pradesh. The Gorichen Peak with 6,500 meters height is the 2nd highest point.
• Literacy rate of Arunachal Pradesh is 66.95 % which is quite below India’s average literacy rate of 74.04 % (2011 census). Arunachal Pradesh stands at 3rd last rank (26th) among Indian states in terms of literacy.
• Arunachal Pradesh is a part of the high Himalayan Foothills. The terrain of this state mostly consists of deep and broad valleys flanked by highland plateaus and ridges that rise to the peaks of the Great Himalayas.
• Do you know? Arunachal Pradesh was placed under the administration of the Central Government in 1948. It was initially declared a Union Territory on 20 Jan 1972. Later, it became a full-fledged State on 20 Feb 1987.
• You need special permission to enter Arunachal Pradesh. Any Indian Citizen who is not a resident of the state needs an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and Foreign nationals need a Protected Areas Permit (PAP) to enter the state.
• Do you know? A major part of this state is claimed by China as part of the region of South Tibet. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, most of Arunachal Pradesh was temporarily captured by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Historical Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh shares international border with Bhutan in west, China in north and Myanmar in east. Length of international border of Arunachal Pradesh is 1817 Km which is third longest of Indian states lying on international borders.
• Tawang also boasts of India’s largest Buddhist Monastery – Tawang Monastery. In Tibetan language this is known as Galden Namgey Lhatse. This monastery is largest in India and second largest in world just after Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet.
• Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state (area-wise) in the North-East India Region. It is bordered by Assam and Nagaland to the south, Bhutan in the west, Myanmar in the east, and a disputed border with China in the north at the McMahon Line.
• The Tawang War Memorial is located in Tawang and that was built in memory of the great Indian Army soldiers who gave up their life in the 1962 Indo-Sino War. You can see the names of the great 2,420 soldiers written on a black marble plaque.
• Do you know? The Sela Pass located at an elevation of 13,700 feet is considered sacred by the Buddhist people for the presence of 101 lakes around it. The Sela Lake there freezes during the winter and you can literally walk over it if you dare to.
• Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh is not only a photographer’s paradise and wanderlust’s dream but, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a Heritage Site for being the home of the Aptani tribe who resides here and showcases their unique culture and traditions.
• In Asian subcontinent, Arunachal is the only region inhabited by 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes. The major linguistic enriched region, with over 30 languages spoken in Arunachal. Tawang Monastery situated in Tawang district is the largest monastery in India.
• Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh is known for the Dirang Fort. This fort was built in the 17th century to secure Bomdila from the neighbouring states. During the Vietnam War, this fort was used as a jail. And, also during the World War period, this fort was used as a shelter.
• During post demonetisation, when the whole country went through a very difficult times residents of Khawbung village in Mizoram, a remote village located along the India-Myanmar border, took up ‘paper coupons’ to continue their daily financial transactions in their villages.

Amazing Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

• Namdapha National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. It’s the only protected area in India to house four big cats species that includes Tiger, Leopard, Cloud Leopards, and Snow Leopards.
• Do you know? The world’s second-highest motorable road is located in Arunachal Pradesh and it is the Sela Pass. It is the high-altitude mountain pass located in the Tawang District. It has an elevation of 4170 m that connects the Buddhist city of Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati in Assam.
• The forests of Arunachal Pradesh accounts for about one-third of habitat area within the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. It’s a part of a vast area of continuous forests that houses the highest diversity of mammals and birds in India with around 750 species of birds and more than 200 species of mammals.
• Do you know? In Arunachal Pradesh, you will feel the duo type of climate. We can feel a type of hot and humid weather in some low altitude and highly populated regions. On the other hand, if you start moving to high altitude areas you will surely feel extreme chill and cold climate and, it can even snow there.
• The second village receiving the first-morning sunlight in India just after Dong Village is the Vijaynagar Village which is situated on the edge of Myanmar. Vijaynagar is the remotest tehsil of Changlang district in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh of India. It is a cluster of 16 villages on the border with Myanmar.
• Dambuk located in the district of Lower Dibang Valley is also known as the Land of Oranges. It’s called so because this town is the finest producer of oranges in India. This place also produces some of the best kiwis and cardamoms in the world. Hence, the government initiated the Orange Festival of Adventure & Music to promote tourism in the region.
• Arunachal Pradesh is one of the two states of India in which English alone is the official language. The other Indian state where English alone is the official language is Nagaland. English along with other regional languages is official language of Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
• The Dhola-Sadiya Bridge is India’s longest river bridge. With a length of 9.15 km, the bridge is built across the Lohit river, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra river. It connects Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. This bridge reduces the travel time between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh from six hours to just one hour as the distance will shrink by 165 km.
• Parashuram Kund is the most sacred place in the whole of North East India. This Kund is basically a holy flowing water reservoir in the lower reaches of the Lohit River located in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is true that if people take bath in this Kund then all of their sins are washed by the water and they literally become free from all of his sins.
• Ganga Lake is also known as Geker Sinying and is located 6 km from the capital city of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. This lake is one of the most famous spots and the most visited place of Itanagar. But, there’s a mystery with this place and, locals say that a demon lives inside the lake who hunts for human meat. So, it’s strictly restricted to enter Ganga Lake during night time.
• During the Simla Accord of 1913-14 between chinese representatives, Tibet and Britain, McMahon line was taken as the boundary between British India and outer Tibet. Tibet accepted this treaty and ceded Tawang to British India, but China didn’t accepted this treaty as they consider Tibet as part of China. To this date China claims to the regions of Arunachal Pradesh including Tawang.
• Do you know that Pasighat is the oldest city of Arunachal Pradesh? It is also known as the ‘Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh’ and is pure heaven for nature lovers. It called the ‘Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh’ because in 1911 the British Indian Government made it the gateway for their administrative convenience to enter the greater Abor Hills and the North Hilly areas of the state in general.
• A majority part of Arunachal’s tribal people follows their own religion. The religious landscape of Arunachal Pradesh is diverse with no single religious group representing the majority of the population. The Majority follow their own indigenous religions and so can’t be included in the list of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, or any other type. In simple words, many have formed their own religion.
• Menchuka is a very beautiful small village in Arunachal Pradesh. It’s an extremely popular tourist destination in the state. The name Men-chu-kha means ‘medicinal water of snow’ where men mean medicine, chu is water, and kha is snow though kha also means mouth. It is a Buddhist Himalayan hamlet situated a mere 29 km from the Indo-Tibetan border, in the West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Do you know that there’s a lake in Arunachal Pradesh state that is named after the Bollywood Indian actress Madhuri Dixit? It’s Madhuri Lake that is located on the way to Bum La Pass from Tawang near Indo-China border at an altitude of approximately 15,200 feet above the sea level. The original name of the lake is Sangestar Tso, but it became popular as Madhuri Lake after a scene from Madhuri Dixit’s movie, Koyla was shot here.
• In 1959 a natural calamity called 'Mautam’ began in the Mizoram. In every 18 years, it is believed that the bamboo forests burst into flower. The blooms then attracted rats who multiply and feed on the flower. Then after the rodents rats headed towards the rice fields and vegetable gardens. The bamboo flowering was followed by a two-year famine. Then after there was a long drawn insurgency with the Central government and it was only in the year 1986 that a peace accorded in Mizoram and it became a state of India on 20th February 1987.

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